Ground-fault circuit interrupter

Abstract

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device, including a relay for control a switch to be in an open position or a closed position, the relay including a first coil and a second coil, wherein when both the first coil and the second coil are non-conductive, the switch is caused to be in the open position. The GFCI also includes a relay start circuit connected to the first coil for causing the first coil to be conductive or non-conductive, wherein when the first coil is conductive, the first coil causes the switch to be in the closed position, but after the first coil is conductive, the coil start circuit becomes non-conductive. The GFCI further includes a relay sustain circuit connected to the second coil for causing the second coil to be conductive or non-conductive. In addition, the GFCI includes a ground fault detect circuit for causing both the relay start circuit and the relay sustain circuit to become non-conductive when a fault signal is detected, causing both the first coil and the second coil to be non-conductive, thereby causing the switch to be in the open position.

Description

[0001]This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)-(d) from China Patent Application No. 201310185866.X, filed May 20, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to electrical safety protection, and in particular, it relates to a power plug or receptacle with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device utilizing a relay mechanism to reset the GFCI device.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Currently, to ensure safety in using electrical household appliances, the input side of the household appliances is usually provided with a power plug or receptacle having a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device. Traditional GFCI devices have utilized mechanical reset mechanisms, wherein after reset, in an electrically disconnected state, the GFCI device remains in a reset state, i.e., the switch between the input and output terminals remains clos...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a more reliable and safe GFCI device. The new relay reset circuit design ensures that even if there is electrical power on one input terminal, there will be no power on the output or load terminals. It also ensures that the switch between the input and output electrical conducting paths can be reliably pulled to close electromagnetically even with increased spacing between the switch contacts. This ensures the relay mechanism can function normally to protect the personal safety of the users. The reset mechanism has sufficient safety spacing between the relay switch contacts when the relay switch is open, and after reset, even when the relay is electrically powered for a long period of time, the heat generated by the relay coils can be maintained within a safe range, effectively ensuring the safety of using electrical power.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, the GFCI has a ground fault detect circuit for causing both the relay start circuit and the relay sustain circuit to become non-conductive when a fault signal is detected, causing both the first coil and the second coil to be non-conductive, thereby causing the switch to be in the open position.

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